Saddle fit

[Jxmxg]

How does this look to you? I thought it fit at first, but it seems to be to tight on his upper shoulder area and it not enough clearence for his spine? It's an ideal make, medium tree, gp saddle, 16.5" seat. Was told it fits bigger than most mediums.. Can you get medium wides or are they only available in gullet system saddles? Maybe he needs a medium wide tree or a wide tree saddle? What are you thoughts? I'm trying to get a saddle fitter out that will try used saddles on him for us to purchase but the only place close will only fit him to their brand new saddles which cost over £1500 new. I'd like to buy a used saddle but obviously good quality. Just want to make sure it fits properly. What do you all think? He's a 5yr old welsh d cob. Seems a bit tight when a thin numnah is under its and he is girthed up.

 

[Goldenstar]

of course you can get saddles on medium wide trees .
its the most common size sold .

 

[Jxmxg]

I was just checking as most seem to have the gullet system I see lots of medium size or wide for sale without the gullet system but not many medium wide in regular saddles without the gullet system

 

[JackFrost]

I'm not an expert but agree with you that it doesn't quite look right - fits in some ways but not in others. doesn't look right around the shoulders. Seems too narrow in the gullet, whether this is a big problem will depend a bit on the width of his spine, but I gather saddlers are now starting to think that gullet width is an important issue and can cause damage if too narrow. Also I'm wondering if the balance looks not quite right, and if you have sat in it which might confirm if this is the case. I suspect this saddle might move up a bit over his shoulder when ridden, though a lot of the welshies have this issue. His girth groove looks quite far forward, again normal for his type but adds another issue to finding something that works for him.
A 5 year old section D will probably fill out more, and as well as getting wider his shoulder might become 'bigger' and more defined. Bear this in mind. The Thorowgood saddles often seem to be a good fit on the chunky section D types and suit flat backs which he seems to have. They just sit right on cob types and seem to work for a lot of horses. Most now come with changeable gullets and you can pick some up 2nd hand at sensible prices. Might be an option if you are looking for something to use until you absolutely know he's finished his growing and expanding.
Nice horse BTW!

 

[Regandal]

If you’re REALLY struggling to get one fitted, you could look for a T4 cob that’s adjustable. Although it’s like sitting on concrete.

 

[Littlewills]

If you’re REALLY struggling to get one fitted, you could look for a T4 cob that’s adjustable. Although it’s like sitting on concrete.

They narrowest they go is either extra wide or wide.

The saddle in the photo looks to be too far forward, but seems unlikely it would fit even if moved back into the right place as it looks to be too narrow.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It doesn't fit I would be surprised any medium width saddle would fit a Welsh D I would go at least a wide, every one I have ever known needed x wide.

 

[Jxmxg]

Yes will look into the Thorowgood, on their website is shows the seat sizes available on the T4 cob are 17"-18" was hoping to get a 16 or 16.5 seat for the shorter back. Thanks for the info. X

 

[Jxmxg]

Will look into a wide one for him

 

[JackFrost]

On thorowgood seat sizing, I have been a bit perplexed. I recently picked up a 16.5 inch in their pony club saddle and it is TINY.
The old 17 inch thorowgood cob saddle I had was fairly compact. He doesn't look particulalry short backed and might be able to take a 17 inch.
I agree with what the others are saying, that you always seem to need a wide/ XW/XXW etc for his type.

 

[JackFrost]

Another thought - I have used a Monarch/GFS 17 inch with a horse that looks similar to him. They have a flattish tree and wide gullet and work well on something a bit cobby. Worth a thought if you come across one. They have changeable gullets in wide range. Comfy to ride in but IMO a bit too padded, nice if you like a squashy saddle.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

The saddle in the photos doesn't fit as the front panel is over his shoulder which would impede movement. Its too narrow on the withers, and the rear of the saddle isn't fitting across his back, just at the top half, leaving the outer parts on each side with gapping under (you can see this when you look from the rear) . Sorry.
Have you anyone local who could assist with advice when you get something much more suitable?

 

[sbloom]

Yep, its literally on the shoulder blade which is what you're feeling. Find the tree point pocket and place the front edge 2" behind dthe shoulder blade, girth up and take the photos shown u the fitting section of www.ahsaddles.com, they're very specific. If its in the wrong place you can't judge tree angle. I suspect it may be too long when in the right place.

 

[Jxmxg]

Okay I will try that. I did put the saddle further back before taking a photoe but it didn't seem right at all like it was to far back but obviously I don't want it on his shoulder blade so will have another look. If its to long how do I go about getting a seat size I need but one short enough for horses back. Both my horses (well they are actually ponies lol?) have short backs but I need a 17" seat but bought a 16.5" seat to try to help it not be to long on the horse.. I don't think my butt can fit in anything smaller.. Lol

 

[sbloom]

Okay I will try that. I did put the saddle further back before taking a photoe but it didn't seem right at all like it was to far back but obviously I don't want it on his shoulder blade so will have another look. If its to long how do I go about getting a seat size I need but one short enough for horses back. Both my horses (well they are actually ponies lol?) have short backs but I need a 17" seat but bought a 16.5" seat to try to help it not be to long on the horse.. I don't think my butt can fit in anything smaller.. Lol

That is the ever present question! I would have to recommend working with a fitter, you can get non gusseted shorter pabpnek designs, flatter seats, wider seats, more forward flaps, better block placement, the answer is very individual for each horse and rider. Saddles generally need to be further back than people realise, do try and find the solid tree pints, usually a u shaped sticking around the pocket, and go from there, anything else is guesswork

 

[Jxmxg]

Okay thank you, sbloom. Do you have a picture of what you meant about finding the solid tree pints, usually a u shaped sticking around the pocket? X